Youth Impact is Seeking a Research Manager in South Africa – Apply By 14 June 2026 @Unknown

Youth Impact, an international evidence-based non-governmental organization dedicated to improving education and health outcomes for young people, has announced a new opportunity for an experienced Research Manager to join its growing South Africa team.

The organization is seeking a highly skilled professional to lead research, monitoring and evaluation, and program oversight activities as Youth Impact expands its operations across South Africa and other regions. The position comes at a pivotal time for the organization as it continues scaling evidence-driven interventions through strong government partnerships and innovative research approaches.

Advancing Evidence-Based Solutions for Young People

Youth Impact works alongside governments to design, test, and scale programs that improve educational and health outcomes for young people. Through rigorous research methods, including randomized controlled trials and continuous monitoring systems, the organization identifies cost-effective interventions that can be integrated into public systems.

With established operations in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, India, and the Philippines, the organization has built a reputation for generating high-quality evidence while supporting governments to implement impactful programs at scale. Its diverse global team collaborates across disciplines and geographies, united by a shared mission of helping young people thrive.

South Africa at the Center of Growth Strategy

South Africa serves as one of Youth Impact’s key Innovation Hubs, playing a critical role in the organization’s Africa-wide expansion plans. The country program combines direct implementation, government collaboration, and research activities that inform broader global scale-up efforts.

A flagship initiative within the South African portfolio is the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) program, delivered in partnership with the National Department of Basic Education. The program currently reaches learners across several provinces, including:

• Gauteng
• North West
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Limpopo

The rapid growth of the South African hub has created the need for additional leadership to strengthen systems, oversee research activities, and support program delivery.

Key Responsibilities of the Research Manager

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across research, program implementation, stakeholder engagement, and team management functions.

Team Leadership and Management

The Research Manager will:

• Directly supervise staff involved in programs, research, and monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Build management structures and institutional systems to support organizational growth.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and operational guidance.
• Support broader team development efforts alongside the Country Director.

Research and Monitoring Oversight

A major component of the role involves ensuring research findings are effectively translated into actionable program improvements.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing research and monitoring activities.
• Developing systems that improve data collection and analysis.
• Reviewing data quality and identifying areas requiring attention.
• Supporting the design of context-appropriate monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Translating evidence into practical recommendations for government and implementation partners.

Supporting High-Quality Program Delivery

Beyond research responsibilities, the Research Manager will play an important role in maintaining the quality and effectiveness of Youth Impact’s programs across South Africa.

Key duties include:

• Ensuring interventions remain aligned with their evidence base.
• Coordinating implementation teams to maintain quality standards.
• Monitoring training schedules and implementation timelines.
• Managing operational systems that support a rapidly expanding program portfolio.
• Contributing to donor reports, grant applications, and organizational reporting requirements.

The role reflects Youth Impact’s commitment to integrating research directly into program implementation rather than treating evidence generation as a separate function.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Stakeholder engagement will be another critical aspect of the position. The selected candidate will represent Youth Impact within South Africa’s education and research sectors while strengthening relationships with key partners.

These stakeholders may include:

• National and Provincial Departments of Basic Education.
• Research institutions and partners.
• Development organizations.
• Funders and philanthropic partners.
• Education sector leaders and policymakers.

The organization is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to policy discussions and communicate research findings in ways that support evidence-informed decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience Required

Youth Impact is seeking candidates with strong academic credentials and significant professional experience.

Preferred qualifications include:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education, economics, public policy, or a related field.
• At least seven years of experience in program management, monitoring and evaluation, research, or related areas.
• Familiarity with South Africa’s education or development research landscape.
• Existing professional networks within the research and education sectors.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The organization is looking for a professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership capabilities.

Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate:

• Proven people management experience.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to develop systems and processes in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Adaptability, resilience, and a collaborative working style.

Application Details

The position is based in South Africa and requires travel to program locations in Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.

Position Summary

• Position: Research Manager
• Location: South Africa
• Contract Type: Two-year fixed-term contract
• Extension: Possible, subject to performance and organizational needs
• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Application Process: Rolling applications
• Early Bird Deadline: 14 June 2026

Successful applicants will also benefit from generous leave provisions, professional development opportunities, remote work flexibility, health-related benefits, and access to Youth Impact’s extensive global professional networks.

As Youth Impact continues expanding its evidence-based approach across Africa and beyond, the Research Manager role offers a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to large-scale educational transformation while influencing policy and practice through rigorous research.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.